Ginger Shots Recipe: Immune-Boosting & Easy to Make

If there’s one recipe I’ve stayed loyal to over the years, it’s these homemade ginger shots. Long before ginger shots gained popularity at juice bars, I was already making them in my tiny NYC kitchen during brutal winter months when the wind cuts straight through your coat.

This homemade ginger shot recipe, with fresh ginger, lemon, turmeric, and cayenne, is perfect for immune support, digestion, and natural energy.

I’ve been making this ginger shot for over six years, and it’s helped me get through freezing NYC winters when I feel a sore throat coming on, as well as long summer days when I’m exhausted by the late afternoon.

This ginger shot recipe is made with simple, real ingredients: lemon, green apple, ginger, turmeric, and cayenne, and can be made with either a juicer or a blender. It’s flexible, customizable, and effective.

What Are Ginger Shots?

Ginger shots are small, concentrated wellness drinks made primarily from fresh ginger root and other immune-supporting ingredients like lemon, turmeric, or cayenne pepper. Unlike a full glass of juice, ginger shots are meant to be taken in one or two quick sips.

You’ll often see them marketed as immune-boosting shots or wellness shots, and for good reason. Ginger has been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems around the world, and when combined with vitamin C–rich citrus and anti-inflammatory spices, it can have many benefits.

Health Benefits of Ginger Shots

Ginger shots may be small, but they’re packed with ingredients that work together to support your body, mind, and overall wellness. They also: 

Boost Your Immune System

Fresh ginger, lemon, and turmeric are all commonly used to support the immune system. Ginger has warming properties that can help soothe the throat, while lemon provides vitamin C. This combination is especially helpful during cold winters when everyone around you seems to be fighting a cold.

Helps With Healthy Digestion

Ginger has long been used to help with digestion and ease bloating. Taking a ginger shot in the morning or before meals can help wake up the digestive system and reduce that heavy, sluggish feeling.

Reduces inflammation

Both ginger and turmeric are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. They are really good for the immune system and our go-tos during periods of stress, travel, or intense schedules.

May Help Soothe a Sore Throat

Whenever I feel that early scratchy feeling in my throat, ginger shots are one of the first things I make. The heat from ginger and cayenne, combined with citrus, can feel soothing and comforting when you’re feeling run-down.

Natural Energy Boost

One of my favorite benefits is how energizing ginger shots feel, without the caffeine crash. Mixing ginger, especially with cayenne, increases circulation and gives you a clean, alert boost. This is why I often take a cayenne pepper and ginger shot in the afternoon instead of getting another coffee.

How to make Ginger Shots

Making ginger shots at home is incredibly easy and far more affordable than buying them pre-made. This homemade ginger shot recipe uses just a handful of ingredients.

Ginger Shot Ingredients

Lemon: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness. It helps balance the heat of the ginger while supporting health and digestion.

Green Apple: Green apples add some crispiness and tartness to the shot. They are rich in antioxidants and fiber, and soften the intensity of a ginger shot.

Fresh Ginger: The star of the show. Fresh ginger root gives these shots their signature kick.

Fresh Turmeric: Turmeric adds an earthy depth and is widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties. 

Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch goes a long way. Cayenne adds heat, helps stimulate circulation, and gives the shot that “wake-up” feeling.

How to make Ginger Shots With a Juicer

You can make ginger shots using either a juicer or a blender, depending on what you have at home. Both methods work beautifully.

If you have a juicer, this is the quickest and cleanest way to make ginger shots.

Start by washing all your ingredients and, if possible, chilling them slightly ahead of time. This helps keep the shots fresh and cool without needing to chill them with ice later.

Once everything is ready, peel the lemon and core the green apple. Cut the fresh ginger and turmeric into smaller pieces so they’re easier to go through the juicer.

Run the lemon, apple, ginger, and turmeric through your juicer, alternating between softer and firmer ingredients for the smoothest extraction. Once juiced, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper and give everything a good mix.

Pour the ginger shots into small shot glass or glass bottles and refrigerate until ready to use.

Tip: Always give your ginger shots a quick shake before drinking, as the ginger and turmeric naturally settle at the bottom.

Looking for a juicer? Check this juicer on Amazon

How to make Ginger Shots With a Blender

No juicer? No problem, this blender method works just as well and uses tools you probably already have.

Start by squeezing the fresh lemon juice directly into your blender. Add the green apple, ginger, and turmeric. 

Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth, and no large pieces remain. Once blended, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing well to extract as much juice as possible.

Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper, then transfer the ginger shots to airtight glass containers. Store them in the refrigerator and shake well before drinking.

Looking for a blender? Check this professional blender on Amazon.

Ginger Shots

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Yield: 6-8

Author: Prancier

Prep time: 15 MinTotal time: 15 Min

This immune-boosting ginger shot recipe is made with fresh ginger, lemon, turmeric, and cayenne and comes together in minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 large lemon, peeled
• 1 green apple, cored
• 2-3 inches fresh ginger root, peeled
• 1-2 inches fresh turmeric root, peeled
• Pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

With a juicer

1. Wash and prep all ingredients.
2. Peel the lemon, ginger, and turmeric.
3. Core the green apple.
4. Run everything through your juicer.
5. Stir in a pinch of cayenne.
6. Pour into small glass bottles or jars.

With a blender

1. Juice a lemon
2. Add ginger, green apple and turmeric to a high-speed blender.
3. Add lemon juice to help it blend smoothly.
4. Blend until completely smooth.
5. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, nut milk bag, or cheesecloth.
6. Stir in cayenne.
7. Store in airtight glass containers.

How to Store Ginger Shots

Homemade ginger shots keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in airtight glass containers.

For best results:

• Use these small glass bottles or jars

• Keep refrigerated at all times

You can also freeze ginger shots in ice cube trays and thaw as needed.

Substitutions & Add-Ins

One of the things I love most about ginger shots is how customizable they are. Once you have the base recipe down, you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Add Lime Juice

Lime juice adds a sharper, more vibrant citrus flavor. It complements ginger shots perfectly and gives them an extra refreshing edge.

Swap Green Apple for Oranges or Pineapples

If you want your ginger shot to taste sweeter or have a more tropical flavor, there are a few easy swaps that work beautifully in ginger shots. 

Pineapple brings a bright, tropical note and is especially great for digestion and inflammation, thanks to its natural enzymes. Both options soften the intensity of fresh ginger and turmeric while keeping the shots refreshing and easy to drink.

Oranges add natural sweetness along with an extra boost of vitamin C, making the shots sweeter without overpowering the ginger. 

Try Other Peppers

If cayenne isn’t your thing, or you want to experiment, there are plenty of other options:

• Black pepper: Enhances turmeric absorption

• Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds heat 

• Jalapeño: Fresh and spicy, use sparingly

• Serrano pepper: For those who love real heat

Always start small. Ginger shots should energize, not overwhelm.

FAQ & Tips for the Perfect Ginger Shot 

• Can I prep ginger shots ahead of time?

  Yes, while juice doesn’t meal prep quite like salads, a little prep goes a long way. Wash your produce, peel and chop roots like ginger and turmeric, and store everything in sealed glass containers in the refrigerator. Having ingredients ready makes it much easier to blend or juice a fresh batch on busy mornings.

• What if I’m short on time?

  If you’re in a rush, semi-homemade shortcuts work just fine. Many health food stores sell freshly squeezed orange or lemon juice. These can be great additions when time is tight. 

• Is bottled juice okay to use?

  Whenever possible, avoid juice made from concentrate. Bottled or processed juices often contain added sugars and lack the freshness and nutritional value of whole, freshly juiced ingredients.

• Should I add sugar or sweeteners?

  It’s best to skip added sugar and processed sweeteners altogether. I used to sweeten every juice and smoothie until I realized how much unnecessary sugar I was consuming. Once your taste buds adjust, you’ll start to appreciate the natural sweetness of fruits and roots, and you won’t miss the sugar at all.

• Can I add greens to my ginger shot?

  Absolutely. Adding leafy greens like spinach or kale boosts nutrients without overpowering the flavor. It also gives your juice a rich green color and adds extra vitamins and minerals while keeping things balanced.

• Will I taste the greens?

  Promise, you probably won’t. When blended with ginger, citrus, and fruit, greens like spinach disappear into the background, leaving you with a fresh, balanced flavor rather than anything “green.”

• How often should I drink ginger shots or immunity juice?

  Consistency is key, especially during cold seasons or busy periods when your body needs extra support.

How to Turn Ginger Shots Into a Juice

Whenever you want the benefits of a ginger shot, but in a larger, more sippable form, add more fruits or veggies. I’ve shared a full ginger immune boosting juice recipe here.

We hope you enjoyed making this ginger shot. If you try it, let us know in the comments if you liked it. Did you feel more energized or notice a natural boost during your day?

For more healthy recipes, head to our Wellness section, where you’ll find recipes like spirulina smoothie, chia pudding, juice cleanse recipes, and other guides designed to support everyday health.

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Besitos from the kitchen,

Laura